Employment

Finding the right match

You have a good business, and you want to make it better. You want to improve your team, get a better return on your investment, boost your image and be more innovative. The Arc of Howard County can help you save money, get tax incentives, earn the good will of your customers and enhance your workforce.

Working In The Community

Once separated into “sheltered workshops,” people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are now important members of the local workforce and have developed lasting friendships with their supervisors and co-workers. Many employment opportunities and experiences are available through The Arc’s Employment Program. The goal of the program is to place people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in jobs where the work meets the individual’s needs and the individual meets the employer’s needs.

Why Is This Good For Business?

People in The Arc’s Employment Services Program are competent, trained, enthusiastic and loyal employees. Employees with these qualities increase company productivity and improve worker retention. They represent an untapped source of labor for many local businesses. The Arc’s staff provides support to both the employee and the employer throughout the relationship, from orientation and job training to on-the-job assistance. More than 120 people are receiving employment services from The Arc. Hiring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities enhances workforce diversity, appeals to the 87% of Americans who prefer to patronize businesses that hire people with disabilities, and companies are frequently eligible for tax incentives.

Tax Incentives

There are three commonly used federal tax incentives:

• The Small Business Tax Credit can be used for removing architectural barriers in existing facilities, equipment acquisition, and auxiliary aids and services. The amount of tax credit is equal to 50% of the eligible expenditures in a year, over $250 and up to a maximum of $10,250. (There is no tax credit for the first $250 expenditures, therefore the maximum tax credit is $5,000.)
• Architectural/Transportation Tax Deduction/The “Disabled Access Credit” can be used for removing barriers in existing facilities or transportation vehicles, such as widening doors, installing ramps, and modifying vehicles. The maximum deduction is $15,000 per year.
• Work Opportunities Tax Credit (WOTC) for Employers provides tax credit for those who hire certain targeted low-income groups. The tax credit is up to 40% of the first $6,000, or up to $2,400, in wages paid during the first 12 months for each new hire.

Positions The Arc has filled

The Arc is always looking for jobs suited to the people we serve. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have worked in the following areas in Howard County:

• Administrative work
• Animal care
• Assembly work
• Automotive
• Courtesy clerks
• Child care
• Customer service
• Dishwashers
• Food demonstrations
• Food service
• Health care
• Housekeeping
• Packaging
• Warehouse work